President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council Bill 2026, completing the legislative process for a new legal framework aimed at regulating the nursing and midwifery professions across the country.
According to official sources, the bill was approved on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after all constitutional requirements were fulfilled. Documents confirm that presidential assent was granted on June 4, 2026.
The newly enacted law seeks to modernise governance, oversight, and professional regulation in Pakistan’s nursing and midwifery sectors. Authorities said the legislation is designed to address long-standing gaps in regulation by introducing updated mechanisms aligned with current healthcare needs.
Under the new framework, the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council will be empowered to strengthen registration procedures, standardise professional training, and improve educational benchmarks for nurses and midwives. Officials said this will ensure that only properly trained and qualified professionals are allowed to practise.
Government sources said the law also focuses on transparency and accountability within the sector. Clearer rules for licensing, professional conduct, and institutional oversight have been introduced to improve service delivery and patient safety.
Health officials noted that Pakistan’s healthcare system relies heavily on nurses and midwives, particularly in public hospitals and rural health facilities. Strengthening regulation in this area is expected to improve workforce quality and support better healthcare outcomes nationwide.
The approval of the bill is being viewed as a key reform aimed at enhancing professional development in the nursing field. Authorities said improved standards and structured oversight will help raise the overall quality of medical care and public trust in healthcare institutions.
With the bill now enacted, relevant departments are expected to begin implementing the new regulatory framework in phases, including updates to registration systems, training standards, and institutional governance.
Officials said the reforms will play an important role in strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare workforce and ensuring safer, more reliable medical services for patients across the country.
